June 30, 2025 5p
(WGTD)---Racine Mayor Corey Mason has vetoed a couple of measures that were unanimously approved two weeks ago by the city council. The action sets up a veto override attempt at Tuesday night's regularly-scheduled meeting of the council.
At issue is a proposal to rehab a long-vacant gas station at 930 Washington Ave. and turn it into a modern gas station/convenience store. The developer is the current owner of a corner grocery store on 16th St. called Twins Food Mart.
Bashar Qedan’s request to sell beer at his proposed store sailed through a public hearing and a subsequent council vote without opposition.
But Mayor Mason vetoed the awarding of the license and a companion proposal to waive a geographic restriction. Mason argues there are too many licenses in the area and says Qedan’s license shouldn’t be granted until the council has a chance to review the redevelopment plan.
Opponents of the mayor’s position have put out a statement saying they’re confused by Mason’s thought process. Questioning his motives, they say the mayor is jeopardizing opportunities to increase the city's tax base, eliminate an eyesore and give area residents new fresh food options.
Tuesday night's meeting—beginning at 6—will be held in the Community Room of the Racine Public Library. That’s the temporary venue for council meetings while work continues on an elevator at city hall.
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